Checking off my bucket list

Everyone has a bucket list or at least can come up with a few things they would absolutely want to experience within their lifetime. Thought I'd share a few things that I've been so fortunate to be able to tick off my list.

Fly Like a Bird (2008)
I was flying before I could walk so riding in airplanes has been the norm for as long as I can remember. I think my interest in riding in a chopper developed when I'd listen to my dad's stories about his survival courses and jumping out of helicopters when I was a kid. Never really thought I'd get the chance to ride in a helicopter until I joined Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) a year out of university. I got to go an EC130 (now H130) - a lightweight single-engine rotorcraft - and got to see the city and Manila Bay from a bird's eye view. Really different experience from flying in a jumbo jet because you're able to see so much more of the land and sea beneath you. What a great experience! (Unfortunately I don't have any photos of me in the EC130, but here are some photos from an exhibit we did while I was working for Eurocopter)

Be a Tomb Raider (2010)
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia is the largest religious monument in the world. I'd read about it in school and was fascinated by the photographs and its history. This amazing piece of architecture was built in the 12th century; if you've ever visited Angkor then you'll appreciate just how talented the builders were in the beautiful intricacies of its design, and all of it done without modern day technology. The famous Ta Prohm is the temple within the Angkor Wat complex where the trees and jungle have grown out of its ruins. It's mesmerising to see the interaction between nature and man. So glad I can check this off my list.

Witness the Fairies (2015)
The foot of the Black Cuillins on the Isle of Skye is where you'll find the Fairy Pools. I had first read about the Fairy Pools from an article online - way before I'd met my Scotsman - and was immediately enamoured by the enchanting beauty of the crystal clear natural pools and waterfalls. Ross and I visited the Pools during our Scotland trip in January. It was our last day on Skye and the Fairy Pools were our final stop before continuing the drive home. I was suffering from a horrendous hangover from one too many drams the night before but as soon as I got my hike on and saw Mother's Nature's amazing creation, I felt awesome. The freezing cold temperatures also probably helped to alleviate the pounding in my head. Because it was that - COLD - and we didn't have any wet suits with us, we didn't get to jump in. So I'm definitely going back next time (most likely in the summer!) and making sure I've packed the right gear and jumping in!

Cheers,

J xxx

Getting out of my comfort zone

Early this year I spent the month of January in one of the most beautiful places on Earth - Scotland! Thanks to my Scottish boyfriend and his love for the outdoors, I was able to experience things I otherwise never would have even thought I'd ever do. It was a busy trip with lots of activities almost every day and I was able to see so many different places, including a weekend down in Liverpool, England. One month definitely wasn't enough as there are so many places and things that I still have on my checklist. I've been longing to go back ever since I left that beautiful country! I have so many stories from this trip alone so you'll be hearing more about them along the way.

Scotland is known for its vast mountain wilderness interspersed with glacial glens and lochs. Its beauty is absolutely astounding and I don't care how good of a photographer you are, pictures just don't do it justice. Everywhere I went, I was in awe of the eerie yet magical scenery and it was actually intimidating at times.

For those who've known me a long time know that I've always been a city girl. I grew up in various big cities and have been fortunate enough to enjoy the luxuries of indoor plumbing, air-conditioning/heating, comfy beds, cable TV, and the list goes on! You mention camping and dirty public toilets - never mind having to pop a squat in the wilderness - then you're highly likely to get a raised eyebrow from me. 

Despite my "princess"-like ways, I've always been enthralled by the outdoors. I enjoy watching and reading about people's adventures in the wild and have always wanted to give it a try one day. Where's the fun in staying in familiar territory all the time anyway? To me, living life means exploring and experiencing new places and things. 

The most significant experience during my time in Scotland happened during our little trip to the Isle of Skye. If you have the chance to go to Scotland, DO NOT miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful island. It is absolutely breathtaking! Check out this video from VisitScotland: 

On our first day in Skye, Ross and I drove from our inn in Portree to the Old Man of Storr. Ross had previously gone mountain biking with friends on the island and said that Storr was a definite must-see. I had no idea who or what this "old man" was and totally did not expect to be climbing a freaking snow-covered, icy mountain! But like I said, I wanted to explore and experience and that I did indeed.

The rain/snow/fog we drove through going to Skye the night before

Despite the near zero visibility we drove in the previous day getting to Skye, the weather was clear and the sun was out on our way to Storr. It was cold and would be colder atop the mountain so Ross made sure I was bundled up warm and since I didn't have proper hiking boots, he strapped snow & ice cleats to my Hunters (THANK GOD as it was an icy ascent!). For a non-outdoorsy person, the climb was do-able yet tiring and admittedly there was some complaining from me on the way up. If you click on the link to the Old Man of Storr above, we reached Stage 2 of the walk where the views were amazing. I was pretty much out of breath and knew that I wouldn't be able to go any further though. We took photos and Ross kept looking up to the top and I knew that he was itching to get up there. I'd only slow him down so I told him to go on and I'd wait for him right there. We'd seen other hikers and the weather was good so I told him I'd be fine. So off he went and I kid you not, within seconds the bright, sunny weather turned into a total white out. I was able to see Ross in his bright orange North Face jacket climb to the top in less than 10 minutes so I thought he'd be back in no time. But then the snow got heavier - you could barely see 2 feet in front of you - and to make matters worse, it seemed like all the other hikers had descended. Thus, I was alone next to this huge boulder in the middle of copious amounts of snow waiting for that orange jacket to return.

All bundled up!

My trusty snow & ice cleats

Love how I captured Ross' gaze to the top

The minutes felt like hours and I started to panic. What if Ross had fallen and hurt himself? Do I try to go up there and look for him? Should I go down or should I stay put? How do I call for help? Do they have mountain lions here? Am I going to freeze to death? I have no outdoor survival skills and had no clue what to do. The city girl in me even thought of trying to call his mobile but realised, "Hello! No reception - you're on a freakin' mountain!" I'd never felt more alone in my life. I started to cry... until FINALLY that bright orange jacket came into view and the snow started to let off. All in all, Ross was only gone for 20 minutes at most but it felt like eternity. I'd never been happier to see my Scotsman in my entire life. Like the good man that he is, he hugged and comforted me back to sanity. We took a few more photos and went back down to the car park to warm up in the car and continue on our drive around the island.

Spot the bright orange jacket on the bottom right

That's me in the green jacket next to the huge boulder

Complete white out!

What did I learn from this? Well, first of all I need to learn at least basic outdoor survival skills! Haha Despite the scary episode and my mini breakdown, in the end I actually really enjoyed it and do not regret it one bit. The spectacular views were so worth it too. If this wasn't taking me out of my comfort zone, then I don't know what is. We are so small and insignificant in this world and there's no fighting Mother Nature's power and temper. However, if you stay holed up in your comforts and remain sheltered, how are you supposed to find out what's out there and live fully? Get out of that box - learn new things, experience different surroundings, meet new people, do something that'll make for a good story one day. As for me, I need to start working on my endurance because I will return to you, Storr, and I will conquer you!

Happiness! :)

What have you done to get out of your comfort zone? 

Cheers,
J xx